Hmm… well now, we could spend hours discussing the
philosophical implications of that… but I wont! Simply put,
Zander is a derivative of my name “Alexander”. XL was
originally taken from one of my favourite groups, Junkie XL, but is
also kinda suitable as I’ve been told that I’m a
“big guy” (6’ 4”, built like ye olde brick
privy – so people say). I was originally born in Glasgow,
Scotland, but have lived and travelled all over the place.
I’m 37 years old, married to my terrific (and patient) wife,
Kate, and have two awesome kids: Heather (7) and Ethan (2).
Anything else you want to know? You’ll have to buy me a pint
first!

How long have you been writing?

How long? When I think about it, for about as long as I knew how
to put words on paper, I guess. I’ve always loved the idea of
story telling, capturing people’s imaginations and taking
them on a ride (visually or literary). A lot of time was spent
writing stuff for role-playing games that I was running. Always
believed that the story aspect of that kind of thing was far more
important than the rules that governed them, and I really enjoyed
how players could get so wrapped up in what was unfolding that they
thought of their characters like they were real people! It’s
that kind of feeling that I hope to recreate in my other works.
Even though the reader isn’t “playing” the
character, I hope they will find some level of empathy with one of
them and get wrapped up in their journey through the story.

What are you currently working on?

Currently, I have a couple of serious projects going on. One is
a story set in a fantasy style setting called “Flesh & Steel” (you can see a small
glimpse into this world in the bits I’ve posted here on
Renderosity). The other is a novel called “Torn Skies.”
This is a kind of mix between sci-fi and cyberpunk, with a bit of a
supernatural twist thrown in. One of my images here, called
“Interceptors,” will give you a tiny peek
at one aspect of that world.

Gunmetal Sky - Part 1(contains language)

What do you think your best piece of work is and
why?

My best piece of work is the one I’m working on right now:
“Torn Skies.” Why? Because it’s frackin’
awesome, that’s why!! Ha, ha. Joking aside, it has a setting
that I think is quite unique in the genre and has scope for many,
many tales. In other words, it’s got “legs.” Any
agents or publishers reading this - get in touch!! (Ha, ha! Had to
try - shy kids get nothing, right?)

Who, or what inspires you?

Oh man… what’s the word limit on this thing?? I could go
on for days about the things that give me inspiration… but, I
suppose the biggest driving force is the stick that the wife belts
me with to keep writing. “TYPE!!” – SMACK! (love you
hun!)

Seriously though, I usually draw inspiration from the
“darker” side of writing and art. Stuff that’s
maybe truer to the real human condition, regardless of its setting.
This can be literary, visual, or music. Even some games have been
inspirational in their portrayal of people and setting.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

Hmm… the initial creative process is great fun. You know, the
part where you kind of stare off into the middle-distance as your
brain goes wandering? Then you blink and find that several hours
have passed! That can be fun. I also really enjoy the stage when
the planning and mapping is done and you get down to the actual
writing. Once that first sentence is down and it begins to flow out
of you, it can be the greatest creative feeling. Heh, I also find
it amusing when the characters begin to “talk” in my
head. It’s like several people having a conversation at
once… hang on… does that mean I “hear voices”??? Oh
well… off to the asylum!

Beer & Bullets(contains language & violence)

Do you have any tips you would be willing to share on
the writing process?

Well, I can only talk about narrative style writing. Can’t
comment on poetry or prose or anything like that. I guess I would
say if you have an idea then embrace it, allow it to develop, and
KEEP AT IT. Once you get that initial spark, continue to refine it
and let it grow. Also, don’t be too precious with your ideas.
Sometimes you have to go back and hack away stuff that just
doesn’t work.

From the standpoint of getting the work done, I find it very
handy to write down a kind of chapter-by-chapter outline of key
events that take place. It becomes a sort of road map that forms
the skeleton of the story. It also helps with maintaining
continuity and pace and seeing how things fit together.

The only other thing I would say would be to really take some
time to make your characters like real people. Regardless of
setting, people are people, and their flaws and idiosyncrasies give
the reader something to relate to. I find the “super clean,
impervious to all, flawless, mega-hero” types get old and
boring VERY fast. But then, take that archetype and maybe give them
a problem, like alcoholism… then you’ve got something
interesting! Also, look at dialogue. Really listen to how people
talk to each other. It’s easy for dialogue to become
hackneyed, clichéd and stiffer than a crowbar. I find it useful
sometimes to actually read out my dialogue, as that’s when
you’ll get a sense of it being a turkey or not. Anyhow…
enough waffle!

How has this online community (Renderosity) enhanced
your work, relationships, and learning?

Even though I’m a small fish in this big old pond,
I’ve “met” some genuinely cool people here and
their advice has been really helpful (y’all know who you
are…). There are also some flippin’ tremendous artists here
whose works have been truly inspirational. It’s a great
community and very supportive. Aw hell, y’all rock the
Kazbah!

Do you have any parting comments, or advice for other
writers or artists?

Keep creating! Regardless of skill level, keep adding to the
maelstrom. Keep the fire burning! And whatever other colourful
metaphors you can think of…

And, as two wise, young men from San Dimas, California once
said: “Be excellent to each other!”

Artist of the Month is highlighting a
talented Renderosity artist that has been nominated by mods and
admins, and voted by the community. Recognition is given to
this member for their collection of works for that year.

Since we only select one AOM per month,
it is not about their works for that particular month. Instead, it
is about highlighting a talented artist's works for that year, and
they are recognized during that month.

To learn more about Renderosity's Artist Of The Month [AOM]
award, and to view our past AOM's, please visit the AOM
page.

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MarketPlace

Article Comments

Nonsolum ()
posted at 8:37AM Tue, 02 October 2012

When I posted at first, XanderXL went to comment my work (and he still does) and I thought to myself reading his words : which style of language, everything in sharpness and delicacy, with what it is necessary of allusion and humor, giving free rein to the image which he(it) conveys. XanderXl ? One who shares his stories and participates to ours, getting inside our images with his little word. I must agree with that choice. Congrats XanderXL !

QUOTE: "I can only talk about narrative style writing. Can’t comment on poetry or prose or anything like that." Is this is a particularly convoluted nod to Molière's "Le Bourgeois gentilhomme"? Kudos.

arlivre ()
posted at 1:52PM Wed, 03 October 2012

Congratulations !

vapo ()
posted at 10:45AM Fri, 05 October 2012

I have nearly missed this big news - congrats Alex! Well deserved!!! Now I also understand the reason why you have dared to step out of the shadows and put the real you on your avatar... :) Cheers, Vashek

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